Pride goeth Before a Fall…Even in Fashion

June 25, 2018

Inspirational Pam Lutrell writes ‘Over 50 Feeling 40‘.

Last week I had a healthy slice of ‘humble pie,’ after I commented on fellow blogger Pam Lutrell’s website. I made a suggestion, which seemed ‘totally right’ to me, based on everything I know from Quintessential Style.

The problem was, I didn’t take the most important element of style into consideration: Pam’s Personal Preferences.

When Pam asked, “Would You Wear It?”, I said (of the outfit pictured below) that based on my coloring I would not, but that I thought it would look stunning on her. The garment seemed a complementary color and an appropriate print size. It was, in my opinion, something Pam could wear based on her Color Type.

Would You Wear It?

Pam wrote back saying she would probably never wear the bold floral, because she felt it might ‘age’ her. I agree, Pam, no one wants to wear something that is aging.

What’s up with me? Haven’t I read the first page in QUINTESSENTIAL STYLE: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look? I’m the one who transcribed the words that Janna has hammered into my head a hundred times:

“Signature style comes not by mimicking some iconic image, not by fitting into some specific size, not by wearing what is currently en vogue. Personal style is just that–personal. What you have to be is yourself.

It’s not about styling an outfit; it’s about styling who you are.”

I could never have fully known Pam’s preferences, because I am not Pam.

Now, I understand. It may be the perfect color, cut, or pattern, but if it’s not YOU, you’re never going to feel good wearing it.

Pride goeth Before a Fall…even in fashion.

I hope Pam will forgive me for acting like a ‘know it all.’

So let this be a cautionary tale: We might think we know what will look good on someone else, but there are always those individual proclivities that are so intimate, we can only know them if we’re in their skin.

Coincidentally, that very same day, the inspirational calendar I keep by my kitchen sink had this to say:

8 Comments

Oh Sharon…you are being way too hard on yourself. This post is so kind but not necessary! What you said was in kindness and I know that. I look for pieces which communicate messages I want to send about me so the messaging is very personal. Some women saw that jacket as youthful especially when worn with denim. I saw it on me as aging. We all see some of these pieces differently and that is why I love Would You Wear It…which I do on Saturdays!! Please continue to join in and your sweet apology means a lot!!

Your transparency is refreshing!
When it comes to style I often think if you think you look good, that will reflect In a positive demeanor. Any doubt and you will look uncomfortable. Your book is extremely helpful in finding personal style. I highly recommend it!

Great blog, Sharon! And very important to remember! Many things I wear (and don’t) are the result of the life I’ve lived, and no one can get inside me to completely figure me out except God!! So you have taught me a lesson here about my sometimes judgemental thoughts – hold back before voicing them. You might find out something by listening to another person that will completely change your thoughts. Thank you!
Loved the quote, too!!

Everyone who has ever met you, or who has just read your blog even once, knows how thoughtful and gracious you are. I agree with Pam; you are too hard on yourself. You always stress the beauty and uniqueness of each individual. Thank you for doing that. So grateful and blessed that you are my friend!

Sharon B.,
I recently told a friend that two bold necklaces looked absolutely stunning on her when worn together. Her response, “Well, I like them both, but I’m not sure I’d wear them together… that’s just not me.
Haha. I have learned my lesson.